San Clemente's Griffin Colapinto blasts off a backside section at a December contest held at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.

FRED SWEGLES, STAFF

San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto, 15, is home from Hawaii and one of the biggest contest results of his life.

He was the only non-Hawaii surfer in the four-man final this week at the North Shore Surf Shop Pro Junior, an Association of Surfing Professionals tournament for surfers under 20. The ASP held it at one of surfing’s most treacherous reef breaks, the Banzai Pipeline.

Colapinto placed third in a contest dominated by Hawaiians. Oahu brothers Seth and Isaiah Moniz placed 1-2, Maui’s Imaikalani Devault fourth. Nine of the top 16 placers were from the islands. Colapinto also was the only non-Hawaii surfer in his four-man semifinal heat.

We asked him about it:

Q. How does this rate with your other Pro Jr. results?

A. This is, by far, my most significant contest result because the event was held at Pipeline, one of the best, most challenging waves in the world.

Q. How were the conditions, and how did you respond to them?

A. It was off-shore, barrels, with some 12-15 foot faces. I have been coming to Hawaii a lot and staying with the Moniz family at the Billabong house. I am so lucky that I have been able to surf with them. Rainos Hayes (Hawaii surf icon) has also been able to coach me at the Hawaiian events. His input has helped me tremendously.

Q. In a contest lineup full of Hawaii surfers, was it hard getting the waves you wanted?

A. I think I got lucky and I was able to get some good waves to get me through.

Q. As you return from Hawaii, what refinements might we see in your surfing?

A. My goal this winter was to get better at surfing Pipeline – my backhand. Anytime you can improve your skills at Backdoor and Pipeline, it transfers to other breaks in California. The waves are so much more powerful and challenging. I really push my limits.

Q. Your goals this season?

A. Starting out, I didn't think I would make the Worlds but, because of this result, I may have an opportunity to qualify. My goal now is to try to make the top 4 or 5. It will still be really difficult. My goal is to win an NSSA and Surfing America title, especially at Lowers.

OTHER O.C. STANDOUTS

Colapinto, ranked by Surfing America as the No. 1 West Coast surfer in Boys Under 16 and Boys Under 18, was one of four Orange County surfers who placed in the top 16 at Pipe. John Mel of Newport Beach took 7th place, San Clemente’s Colt Ward and Jonah Carter 9th and 13th, respectively, in a field of 72 surfers.

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